Welcome to real talk for movement ministers of all genres! We will discuss the good, the bad, and yes- the ugly of all things dance ministry. We will also highlight examples visually as the occasion merits. Enjoy!

Thursday, June 26, 2008

The Court of Public Opinion

Everything that presents itself as "expertise" in the dance ministry is not to be taken as the gospel truth. There are many who teach based on experiences and personal preferences. The Word of God is the only authority from which we should base our teachings. We may present wisdom and best practices, but even these should be scripturally based. There is safety in a multitude of counselors. There is danger in basing our practices solely the word of one witness.

There is more than one way to minister before for the Lord. Because the gospel is to be preached throughout all the world, we must also take culture, economics, and demographics into consideration when preparing to minister before diverse crowds. Personal testimonies, conferences, workshops, books, DVDs, CDs and websites can give us an idea of what challenges and expectations there are in movement ministry. We must keep it all in context, remembering that individual circumstances, traditions, and socio-economic status can influence each point-of-view.

We can become dependent on people if we do not research for ourselves what we are being taught regarding movement ministry. A ministerial title, mega-church affiliation, network membership, or technical resume does not indicate true servants of the Lord. There comes a time to stop running from place to place, and allow the Holy Spirit to instruct us in the way we should go.

Psalm 25:12 (NKJV)Who is the man that fears the LORD? Him shall He teach in the way He chooses.

Jeremiah 31:34 (NKJV)No more shall every man teach his neighbor, and every man his brother, saying, ‘Know the LORD,’ for they all shall know Me, from the least of them to the greatest of them, says the LORD. For I will forgive their iniquity, and their sin I will remember no more.”

1 Corinthians 2:13 (NKJV)These things we also speak, not in words which man’s wisdom teaches but which the Holy Spirit teaches, comparing spiritual things with spiritual.

1 John 2:27 (NKJV)But the anointing which you have received from Him abides in you, and you do not need that anyone teach you; but as the same anointing teaches you concerning all things, and is true, and is not a lie, and just as it has taught you, you will abide in Him.